This Parker is a regular classic size, I gifted it to a woman. For myself, I got the same one, but the XL, which is slightly larger than the classic other Parkers because I have large male hands! Its height is about 12cm. It is made of steel, with upper and lower stems. The internal screw-connector is made of plastic but is strong! If someone broke it, they probably had it in their "back pocket" and sat on it, then yes, the pen can break in two. It is more beautiful than I expected. BALLPOINT pens with oil ink require more pressure to write but do not smudge like Roller and GEL pens do. Their ink is blue, medium thickness 1mm. For a refill, look for ballpoint quinkflow, available in blue and black, and medium 1mm or fine 0.7mm. The factory gift packaging will amaze you; it is incredibly elegant!!! The pen on top says FRANCE.